Rotating magnetic field actuation of a multicilia configuration

The current paper continues the analysis of a comp letely novel method of fluid manipulation technology in micro-fluidics systems, inspired by n ature, namely by the mechanisms found in ciliates. More information on this subject can be found at http:// www.hitech-projects.com/euprojects/artic/. In order to simulate the drag forces acting on an array of arti ficial cilia, we have developed a computer code tha t is based on fundamental solutions of Stokes flow in a semi-infinite domain. The actuation mechanism consists of a bi-directional rotating excitation magnetic fi eld. The magnetization induced by the magnetic fiel d was calculated in a separate routine based on the Integ ral Nonlinear Equations Approach with 1D discretization of wire (cilium). Time averaged x-coordinate mass f low rates are computed for several cilium configura tions resulting. The outcome and originality of this pape r consist on assessing magnetic actuation as a prac tical tool for obtaining a consistent one-directional flu id flow.